MP Brown Delivers Funds to Barrie to Keep Kempenfelt Bay’s Water Clean

September 24, 2009

Ottawa – MP Brown is pleased with the recent announcement of an additional $5.5 Million in funding for the Lake Simcoe Clean-up Fund.  The City of Barrie will receive $606,000 for projects within the City limits.  Approved projects include:

• Kidds Creek – watercourse improvements from Donald St to West of Eccles St.   
• Spirit Catcher parking lot - installation of Oil and Grit Separation Devices
• Maple Avenue parking lot - installation of Oil and Grit Separation Devices

"Kempenfelt Bay is the jewel at the heart of our City. The purity of its water is something we should not take lightly.” said MP Brown.  “Our federal government isn't just making promises - we are delivering real results for Lake Simcoe." he added.

This investment in Lake Simcoe is part of Canada's $93 million National Water Strategy which is a comprehensive initiative to improve water quality and to protect our precious lakes, rivers and oceans. By investing a total of $30 million over five years to support the clean-up of Lake Simcoe the Government is taking real action to stem the effects of excessive algae and weed growth that reduce oxygen supply and harm fish and wildlife.

“Environment Canada has a strong, comprehensive, approach to ensure clean water for all Canadians, and the Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund is an important part of that plan,” said Environment Minister Jim Prentice. “It is a great example of how we collaborate with stakeholders to take concrete and measurable actions that improve water quality.”

The 1st and 2nd intake of the Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund included 23 projects in partnership with the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority.  Alone, these projects have helped to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the lake by 15 kg annually, restored 3.5 km of urban and rural stream banks and planted over 6,500 trees and shrubs.